"I'm eager to carry on playing and so will be looking to continue with a new challenge," Terry added.

"Words cannot describe the love I have for our club and our amazing fans. You mean the world to me and I will never forget the incredible journey we've been on."

Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia said: "He will always be held in the highest regard by everybody at Stamford Bridge and we look forward to welcoming him back in the future."

Terry's highs and lows

Media playback is not supported on this device

John Terry retires: Watch defender's first goal for Chelsea

Terry made his debut as a 17-year-old against Aston Villa in the League Cup in October 1998, and scored his first goal for the club in an FA Cup sixth-round tie against Gillingham in 2000.

However, the following year Terry was one of four Chelsea players fined two weeks' wages by the club following their behaviour at a hotel in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks in the United States.

He was integral to the Blues claiming both the Premier League title and the FA Cup in 2009-10, making more than 50 appearances as Chelsea became just the seventh club to do the double.